#ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#What I am finding works for Rio is keeping the lessons short. In the beginning when we were working on giving and contact, that was pretty much all we did. Obviously those rides were quite short. Then the slow trot work started, in addition to the initial work in the walk. Rides were a bit longer, but if one thing wasn't working, I'd leave it and go back to the contact or vice versa. Now that we're finally asking for more forward (have to catch myself - I always want to say speed) I have three rudimentary concepts in my box of tricks to pull from. On a good day we'll work on all three, but on those days when she's pissy or I'm pissy, I can choose what to do that will still help us, but not cause us to go into a mutual rage, either.
#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl# #ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#I like that line about dressage being a long-term committment. That sums it up perfectly, and helps to sustain you when it's not always so much fun.#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl# #ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl#